More snow expected as Chicago keeps shivering

January 04, 2010

Alexandra Dellendera and mother, Maria, of New York, braved the frigid weather along Randolph Street downtown today. Alexandra was in town for rehearsals in the play Billy Elliot. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)

Chicago area temperatures stayed frigid today, with temperatures running more than 10 degrees below normal and no relief in sight for at least the next week.

Today's high temperatures across the area have ranged from 14 in some outlying suburbs to 21 at Northerly Island, with wind chills as low as 5 below to 15 below early in the morning, according to the National Weather Service.

Add to that, all indications continue to point to an accumulating snowfall beginning Wednesday night and continuing into the day Thursday, according to the weather service.

Early indications are that many areas of northern Illinois, including the Chicago area, and Northwest Indiana could pick up more than 3 inches of snow. The current forecast timing of the snowfall and cold temperatures would suggest that Thursday morning's rush hour and possibly Thursday afternoon's rush hour both could be adversely affected.

"Over the last three days, it's been 12 to 16 degrees below normal," said National Weather Service meteorologist Tim Service. "Normally, it would be around 30 high and 15 low."

Tonight, lows will be 8 to 12 above zero, with wind chills as low as zero to 10 below and winds of 10 to 15 mph.

Temperatures will rise slightly midweek but will remain very cold and below normal, perhaps reaching a high of 25 degrees on Wednesday at O'Hare, with snow expected Wednesday night into Thursday.

Because of the cold and winds, lake effect snow will continue in north central Indiana and southwest lower Michigan for at least the next few days. Since last Thursday, some portions of that area have seen accumulations of up to 2 feet.

But temperatures will plunge again. Another shot of bitterly cold Arctic air will spread over the area late this week into the weekend. The wind chill index may be 20 below in spots.

Click HERE for the latest conditions and forecasts from WGN meteorologist Tom Skilling.

The City of Chicago reminds residents to check on neighbors and family in times of extreme cold. There are warming centers available, and city workers to help get homeless into shelters. Anyone needing help or anyone who is experiencing problems because of the cold is asked to call 311.